A comprehensive guide to help you understand the key concepts, themes, and teachings of Hebrews
These key terms are essential for understanding the theological concepts presented in Hebrews.
Understanding these terms will greatly enhance your comprehension of the epistle's arguments about Christ's superiority and the nature of faith.
| Term | Definition from the Source Context |
|---|---|
| Aaron | The reference point for the Levitical priesthood, from whom other priests were called by God (Hebrews 5:4). The priesthood of Christ is explicitly not "after the order of Aaron" (Hebrews 7:11). |
| Abraham | A key patriarch who demonstrated faith by obeying God's call and offering his son Isaac. He received promises from God, paid tithes to Melchisedec, and is the one from whose "seed" Christ came (Hebrews 2:16, 6:13, 7:4, 11:8). |
| Angels | Spiritual beings who are subordinate to the Son. They are described as "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1:4, 1:14). |
| Covenant | A formal agreement. The text contrasts the "first covenant," which had ordinances and a worldly sanctuary, with a "better covenant" mediated by Jesus, established on better promises (Hebrews 8:6-7, 9:1). |
| Faith | Defined as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). It is the means by which the elders obtained a good report and is described as essential for pleasing God (Hebrews 11:6). |
| High Priest | An individual ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins on behalf of humanity (Hebrews 5:1). The text contrasts the mortal, sinful high priests of the Law with Jesus, the eternal and perfect "great high priest" (Hebrews 4:14, 7:26-28). |
| Law | The system of commandments and ordinances associated with the first covenant and the Levitical priesthood. It is described as having a "shadow of good things to come" but being unable to make worshippers perfect or take away sins (Hebrews 7:19, 10:1). |
| Melchisedec | King of Salem and "priest of the most high God" who blessed Abraham. He is presented as a figure whose priesthood—without beginning or end—is the eternal order to which Christ belongs, making it superior to the Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 7:1-3). |
| Moses | The one who led the people out of Egypt and was a "faithful" servant in God's house. The law was given through him, but his glory is considered less than that of Christ (Hebrews 3:2-5). |
| Rest | A state of peace and cessation from works promised by God. The generation in the wilderness failed to enter this rest due to unbelief, but a "rest to the people of God" remains available through faith (Hebrews 4:1, 4:9). |
| Sacrifice | An offering for sin. The text contrasts the repetitive, ineffective sacrifices of animals (bulls, goats) under the law with the "one sacrifice for sins for ever" offered by Christ through his own body (Hebrews 10:4, 10:12). |
| Sanctuary / Tabernacle | The place of worship. The earthly tabernacle with its two parts (the sanctuary and the Holiest of all) is presented as a "figure" of the "true tabernacle" in heaven, which Christ entered (Hebrews 8:2, 9:2-11). |
| Son | The primary title for Jesus Christ, emphasizing his unique relationship with God the Father and his superiority over angels and Moses. He is the heir, the creator, and the one whose throne is eternal (Hebrews 1:2-8, 3:6). |
| Testament | Synonymous with covenant, but emphasizing that it comes into force through the death of the testator. Christ is the mediator of the "new testament," ratified by his own blood for the redemption of sins (Hebrews 9:15-17). |
| Unbelief | The primary reason the Israelites in the wilderness could not enter God's rest (Hebrews 3:19). It is described as an "evil heart" that causes one to depart from God (Hebrews 3:12). |
Test your understanding of the Epistle to the Hebrews with these short-answer questions. Type your answer in the box provided and click "Check Answer" to see how well you did.
The following questions are designed to promote deeper, thematic analysis of the text. Use these for comprehensive study and to develop a thorough understanding of Hebrews.
Analyze the argument in Hebrews for the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. Discuss the key points of comparison, including the roles of Melchisedec, the nature of the sacrifice, and the concept of an "unchangeable priesthood."
Explore the relationship between the "first covenant" under Moses and the "new covenant" in Christ. How does the author use the earthly tabernacle, its rituals, and its sacrifices as a "figure" or "shadow" of the heavenly realities fulfilled by Christ?
Trace the theme of "faith" as it is developed from its definition in Hebrews 11 through the exhortations in Hebrews 12. How do the examples of faith from the past serve as a "cloud of witnesses" to encourage endurance in the present?
Examine the repeated warnings against unbelief, "falling away," and hardening one's heart. What are the stated consequences of such actions, and what positive exhortations are given to believers to ensure they hold fast their confidence and hope "firm unto the end"?
Discuss the dual nature of Christ as both divine Son and suffering man. How do these two aspects of his identity qualify him to be the "captain of their salvation" and the "mediator of the new testament"?